Former UFC champion signs contract with another organization; find out why.

Merab Dvalishvili with the belt on UFC 316 (Photo: Instagram)

Merab Dvalishvili He is not happy with his inactivity in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The Georgian-American, who hasn't fought since December of last year when he lost his bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg) to... Petr yan No. UFC 323, in Las Vegas (USA), decided to sign a contract with another organization in the world of fighting.

In a social media post, Real American Freestyle (RAF), a professional wrestling organization, announced that Dvalishvili has signed a contract and is confirmed for RAF 8 on April 18th in Philadelphia (USA). The former UFC champion does not yet know his opponent.

"One of the most dominant champions in MMA is coming to the new main stage of wrestling." Merab Dvalishvili "He is the star of RAF 08 in Philadelphia. His opponent will be announced soon," the organization's official profile stated.

???? Merab Dvalishvili has signed with RAF Wrestling and will make his debut at #RAF08 on April 18 👀

Opponent TBA

(via @RAFWrestlingUSA) pic.twitter.com/HgZaQ4UpAu

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 24, 2026

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Merab Dvalishvili He didn't leave the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The former champion simply decided to venture into another sport, aiming to stay active, something quite common among UFC fighters lately. The athlete has already expressed his desire to return to the top of his weight class, but while he doesn't receive opportunities in Dana White's company, 'The Machine' doesn't want to remain idle.

Real American Freestyle attracts several UFC names.

Founded in April 2025 by Chad Bronstein, Terri Francis, and Hulk Hogan, the RAF has already brought together names such as: Michael chandler, Chad Mendes, Colby covington, Luke Rockhold, Henry Cejudo, Urijah faber, BoNickal e Arman TsarukyanNow, the Georgian-American is the target of the moment, being scheduled for the main fight of RAF 8.

Merab Dvalishvili's MMA numbers

Dvalishvili has a record of 21 wins and five losses in his professional MMA career. In the UFC since December 2017, the Georgian-American has accumulated 14 wins and three losses.